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Mentoring & Coaching are important parts of the FIRST® program and contribute to the program’s success. Every adult on a FIRST team is a mentor, simply because they lead through guidance and example. It is important to remember students need guidance, structure, encouragement, and most of all, a fun experience!
When done correctly, this learning process builds and expands team members’ self-confidence and knowledge. If the process has a strong foundation and works properly, adult team members come away with as much as students do.
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A Mentor…
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Requires no special skills, but should have patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn alongside the team.
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Is any person who works with the team in their area of expertise, for as little as one team meeting or as many as all of them.
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Helps provide valuable support and serves as a resource in their own area of specialty.
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Directs the process the team follows to solve the yearly game challenge, without providing the solution themselves.
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Is a coach, teacher, motivator, and facilitator.
A Mentor’s Role Includes…
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Inspiring students in science and technology.
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Actively sharing knowledge and experience with the teams to help foster intellectual growth.
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Motivating and engaging students in meaningful activities.
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Balancing effective work habits with FUN!
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Allowing students to do as much of the work as possible.
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Encouraging the team to welcome and include all members.
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Providing students with opportunities to make choices, both good and bad.
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Encouraging students to take risks and be inventive.
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Allowing and encouraging independent thought.
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Creating, encouraging, and facilitating open, honest communication within the team.
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Fostering a reciprocal environment of trust and respect for every member and their ideas.
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Encouraging accountability within the team.
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Facilitating team activities and discussion.
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Developing roles within the team.
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Coordinating help.
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Maintaining equipment and purchasing supplies.
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Communicating with sponsor organizations.
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Registering for competition(s).
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Planning and scheduling meetings, visits, and trips.
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Acting as a liaison between team members, mentors, parents, and volunteers.
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Informing students and parents about what is expected of them in terms of their commitment to the team each step of the way.
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Being a champion for Gracious Professionalism and role modeling the principle within the team.